Morocco and Netherlands urge two-state solution in coalition
Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on May 20th that the country is firmly committed to the establishment of a two-state solution as the answer to diffusing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, according to Moroccan government-friendly outlet Hespress.
The fifth meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was co-hosted by Morocco and the Netherlands, held under the theme of “Sustaining Momentum for the Peace Process: Lessons Learned, Success Stories, and Steps Forward”.
Mr. Bourita emphasised the historic proposition of two independent states tens of years ago. He expressed the importance of an independent Palestinian state with the capital of East Jerusalem, in accordance with the 1967 borders, stating that only through this, lasting peace in the region could prevail.
According to Yabiladi, he affirmed that the two-state solution “is the only option without losers, as everyone benefits: Palestinians gain freedom and dignity, Israelis their security and stability, and the entire region its prospects for development”.
“The two-state solution is not only an empty slogan or a diplomatic bargaining tool, but a moral obligation and a realistic political option that cannot be postponed”.
He then added: “There are those who lose from this solution: extremists on all sides who thrive on conflict to support the Palestinian people without offering even a sack of rice, preferring opposition to responsibility”.
Mr. Bourita went on to say that Morocco has remained committed to this cause, under the leadership of its respective kings from King Hassan II to His Majesty King Mohammed VI. He said that Moroccan diplomacy has worked hard to ensure peaceful prospects in the region.
The minister referenced King Mohammed VI’s address to the last Arab Summit in Baghdad, whereby the King called upon a stop to the conflict, particularly a cessation of military operations.
The event saw the gathering of international officials, in particular the Palestinian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Varsen Shahin, alongside representatives from Europe such as Christian Rebergen, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.
Keynote addresses from representatives from Bahrain, France, Slovenia and Spain were also received.
Mr. Bourita outlined that immediate political action must be taken, rather than delaying with “temporary” economic solutions. This was supported by the need to enrich the ‘Compendium’ Morocco is planning in conjunction with the Netherlands.
The minister called for stronger support for the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, to reject past treaties as excuses for failure, stating that peoples’ independence must not be conditional.
Mr. Bourita concluded that the coalition would provide significant steps in securing peace and justice for the Palestinian cause, emphasising that the two-state solution remains the only proactive option.
HESPRESS/Yabiladi
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